Dubai’s RTA unveils US$91mn Expo 2020 building

Sunday, 12 June 2016 07:00

The design conforms to environmentally sustainable building codes and will qualify for the Green Buildings Certification Gold Rating scheme. (Image source: RTA)Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice-President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the design for the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)’s official Expo 2020 building

The US$91mn Green Enterprise Command and Control Centre (EC3) will be used to manage public transport required to host the Expo 2020, the RTA said, according to state news agency WAM.

The building will have a central control unit for RTA agencies such as the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, taxis and traffic systems.

Sheikh Mohammed has issued directives to speed up construction and deliver the building on time so as to meet the needs of Expo 2020.

He has also directed the RTA to use the latest smart technologies and ensure the system can adapt to technological advancements in the coming years.

Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the RTA, said, “The centre is slated to be one of Dubai city landmarks. It will act as a unified platform linking various control centres of RTA’s operational agencies such as Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, Public Transport, Taxis and Traffic Systems Control Centers with an integrated central control unit. Such a unit will be linked with all RTA’s agencies in the initial phase, and with all external entities associated with the business of RTA later on. The facility will be the first-of-its-kind in the Middle East in controlling, coordinating and integrating various transit modes besides undertaking sound planning of various mobility challenges for RTA.”

The EC3 occupies 6,996 sq m, comprising a ground floor and five storeys with a total floor area of 10,900 sq m. There is a central control room and the facility also comprises office spaces, an auditorium, press centre and four utility buildings.

The design conforms to environmentally sustainable building codes and will qualify for the Green Buildings Certification Gold Rating scheme, WAM reported.